Venture Ecosystem Builder

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Verhaert seeks a venture ecosystem builder to join its Strategic Innovation unit, driving technology transfer and startup incubation and acceleration across Belgium and Europe in space defense and other deep tech sectors. You will run programs, scout deep-tech startups, facilitate workshops, and help founders secure follow-on funding while building relationships with founders, corporates, investors and mentors. In tech transfer you will identify commercialization opportunities and guide collaborations toward deals, spin-ins or spin-offs. You’ll work in multidisciplinary teams, manage budgets and delivery, and serve as an ambassador for the programs. The ideal candidate has a master’s degree with experience in strategic consultancy, startups or early-stage investing, strong open innovation credentials, fluency in English and another European language, and EU citizenship living in Belgium for a permanent contract. To apply, tailor your CV to showcase concrete ecosystem-building projects, cross-functional impact and measurable outcomes, and craft a concise cover letter describing your approach.

Your opportunity

As our venture ecosystem builder, you will become part of an entrepreneurial team, working on our technology transfer and tech start-up incubation and acceleration programs, on Belgian and European scale. We do a lot in space & defense and are also active in other deep-tech sectors.
You will create a long-term impact through concrete daily actions to develop new ventures that bring cutting-edge technology to market. In this role, you will expand your network, collaborate with ambitious entrepreneurs, and develop new, breakthrough open innovation concepts.

Key responsibilities

As a venture ecosystem builder in Strategic Innovation business unit, you will have a multitude of challenging responsibilities and opportunities:

Running start-up incubation and acceleration programs

• You scout and recruit deep-tech start-ups and scale-ups.
• You facilitate workshops and advise founders on entrepreneurship topics.
• You help enrolled start-ups to secure follow-on investments.
• You develop effective relationships with start-up founders, corporates, investors, mentors, and other stakeholders.

Running technology transfer programs

• You scout relevant technologies developed for high-tech sectors.
• You promote the technology portfolio through online and offline marketing.
• You identify and develop concrete opportunities to commercialize these technologies.
• You guide and support entrepreneurs, businesses and research organizations, to set up commercial deals, collaborative R&D projects or new spin-in/spin-off ventures.

General responsibilities

• You work in multidisciplinary project teams with external project partners.
• You manage one or more projects, including budget, planning and delivery.
• You build trust with our clients and partners and are an ambassador for our programs.

Your Profile

Education & experience

• You have a master’s degree and preferably a first professional experience in a strategic consultancy role, in a start-up environment, or working for an early-stage investor.
• You have experience with (open) innovation management in a high-tech context.
• You have experience with or in-depth understanding of the start-up process.

Knowledge and skills

• You combine business acumen with an affinity for technology and an entrepreneurial mindset.
• You thrive in diverse, multidisciplinary, cross-organizational teams.
• You tackle challenges in a methodological but pragmatic manner while maintaining a helicopter view.
• You have excellent problem-solving skills: listening, creating, analyzing, and synthesizing.
• You feel comfortable designing and implementing new processes using digital tools.
• You love giving inspiring presentations and writing clear reports.
• You are fluent in English and one other European language. Knowledge of Dutch or French is an asset.

Why join Verhaert Strategic Innovation?

We are not your typical consultancy. We are a hands-on strategic innovation partner – part of the Verhaert Group – with deep roots in engineering and design.

• We don’t just advise — we design, test, build, and implement new solutions with our clients.
• We help startups scale and help global corporations think and act like startups again.
• You’ll work on projects in FMCG, medical, aerospace, defense, and industrial markets – from rethinking a service journey to launching a new product category.
• Our team is active in 53 countries, helping organizations accelerate innovation, scout technologies, design pilots, and unlock new growth.
• You’ll gain access to a unique blend of methodologies, expert networks, and R&D labs to turn strategy into action.
• You are part of a talented team from diverse backgrounds and an inclusive workplace.

What we offer

• A dynamic, creative, and entrepreneurial culture that values autonomy and collaboration.
• A front-row seat to innovation, working with both ambitious scale-ups and renowned global players.
• A chance to build your innovation career through impactful projects, mentoring, and internal training.
• A multidisciplinary environment where strategy meets design meets engineering.

Apply now to become part of a growing innovation powerhouse — and help shape what’s next.

Absolute Musts:
You are an EU Citizen, living in Belgium
You are looking for a permanent contract. No freelancers or 3rd party consultants will be taken into account